Babi Guling in Bali

 Bali, and especially Ubud, has become a favorite yoga destination for many travelers. With its plethora of vegetarian and vegan options, it’s one of the easiest places in the world to abstain from meat, if only babi guling weren’t so tempting.

Babi guling is one of Bali’s most famous dishes. Similar to Filipino lechon, it refers to a suckling pig stuffed with a spice mixture called basa gede, which is then roasted on a hand-churned spit over an open fire.

When ready, the suckling pig is chopped up and served over steamed rice with sambal and a host of side dishes like vegetables, pork satay, blood sausage, and a crackingly crisp shard of pork skin. It’s absolutely delicious and a must when visiting Bali.

Babi guling is one of the dishes Anthony Bourdain popularized on an old episode of No Reservations. The babi guling pictured below is from the warung (traditional Indonesian restaurant) featured on the show – Ibu Oka. It’s pretty good though others are better. Be sure to check out our Bali food guide for recommendations.